Tuesday, August 5, 2014

Silsby joins CGCC as men's basketball coach

Chandler-Gilbert Community College (CGCC) hired Steve Silsby as its first full-time men’s basketball coach on July 21. Silsby joined CGCC after eight seasons as head men’s basketball coach for the University of Great Falls, where he built the program into a perennial Frontier Conference contender. Previous to UGF, he served three years as assistant men’s basketball coach and assistant athletic director for Scottsdale Community College.

“We’re excited for the opportunity to bring on a full-time basketball coach to this campus,” said Ed Yeager, director of athletics for CGCC. “Not only was Steve an exact right fit because of his familiarity with the Valley and previous experience, but his hiring brings a new beginning for the men’s basketball team.”

CGCC’s basketball program has had only part-time coaches since its inception 15 years ago and was based on the Williams Campus near the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport where the gym was located. A new gym was completed on the Pecos Campus in July with the construction of the 74,859-square-foot Coyote Center, which houses athletics as well as enrollment and student services.

“Having a full-time coach on the same campus with most of our athletes will make a significant positive impact,” said Yeager. “The athletes will receive more attention and have quicker access to a network of support if they experience any problems in academics or on the court. “
Silsby is looking forward to building a new culture for the team.

“I’m thrilled to be here and to be able to contribute to not only the success of the athletics department but also to the team members,” said Silsby. “I tell the students that the knowledge they gain here will set them up for the next 30-40 years, and that knowledge is more than just how to play well, it’s about striving for excellence in all aspects of their lives.”

Silsby joins three full-time coaches in baseball, volleyball and men’s and women’s soccer.